General Manager
Federated Auto Parts
Like many people in the aftermarket, Julie Wells, general manager, Federated Auto Parts, said that she had no intention of making a career out of it when she first came to the aftermarket.
“I accepted with the hope of finding something else more female-orientated,” Wells said.” [But] once I became accustomed to the team I was working with and the work itself, I began to understand what I was doing and realized this work is not so bad after all. In fact, what I thought would be an intimidating atmosphere was quite the opposite. I had great managers, some of whom I still work with, both inside the warehouse and at our corporate headquarters who were encouraging and had patience and understanding. They gave me the tools to succeed.”
Wells says other women who want to work their way up the ladder as she has should never underestimate themselves and be willing to learn new things. “Take every single opportunity for training that you can get. Just put yourself out there,” she said.